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  Inflow control devices for sand control screensUSPTO Application #: 20070246407Title: Inflow control devices for sand control screens Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least two flow restrictors configured in series, so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must flow through each of the flow restrictors. At least two tubular flow restrictors may be configured in series, with the flow restrictors being positioned so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must reverse direction twice to flow between the flow restrictors. A method of installing a well screen includes the step of accessing a flow restrictor by removing a portion of an inflow control device of the screen. (end of abstract)
Agent: SmithIPServices, P.C. - Rockwall, TX, US Inventors: William M. Richards, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, William D. Henderson, Travis T. Hailey USPTO Applicaton #: 20070246407 - Class: 210097000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Liquid Purification Or Separation, Flow, Fluid Pressure Or Material Level, Responsive The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070246407. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] The present invention relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides inflow control devices for sand control screens. [0002] Certain well installations benefit from having a flow restriction device in a well screen. For example, such flow restriction devices have been useful in preventing water coning, balancing production from long horizontal intervals, etc. These flow restriction devices are sometimes referred to as "inflow control devices." [0003] Unfortunately, typical inflow control devices rely on very small passages in orifices or nozzles to restrict flow, and typical inflow control devices cannot be conveniently adjusted at a jobsite, or are at least difficult to adjust. Small orifice passages are easily plugged, and the large pressure drop across an orifice tends to erode the passage relatively quickly. Convenient adjustment of the inflow control device at the jobsite is desirable, since exact well conditions and desired production parameters may not be known beforehand, and it is impractical to manufacture and warehouse well screens with inflow control devices configured for all possible conditions. [0004] Therefore, it may be seen that improvements are needed in the art of well screens having inflow control devices. It is among the objects of the present invention to provide such improvements. SUMMARY [0005] In carrying out the principles of the present invention, a well screen and associated inflow control device is provided which solves at least one problem in the art. One example is described below in which the inflow control device includes a flow restrictor which is conveniently accessible just prior to installing the screen. Another example is described below in which multiple flow restrictors are configured and positioned to provide enhanced flow restriction. [0006] In one aspect of the invention, a well screen is provided which includes a filter portion. At least two flow restrictors are configured in series, so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must flow through each of the flow restrictors. [0007] In another aspect of the invention, the well screen includes at least two tubular flow restrictors configured in series. The flow restrictors are positioned so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must reverse direction at least twice to flow between the flow restrictors. [0008] In another aspect of the invention, a method of installing a well screen includes the steps of: providing the well screen including a filter portion and an inflow control device with at least one flow restrictor which restricts flow of fluid through the filter portion; and accessing the flow restrictor by removing a portion of the inflow control device. [0009] These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are indicated in the various figures using the same reference numbers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a well system embodying principles of the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale cross-sectional view of a well screen which may be used in the system of FIG. 1, the well screen including an inflow control device embodying principles of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 3 is a further enlarged scale cross-sectional view of a first alternate construction of the inflow control device; [0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inflow control device, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; [0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternate construction of the inflow control device; [0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third alternate construction of the inflow control device; [0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth alternate construction of the inflow control device; [0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth alternate construction of the inflow control device; [0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the inflow control device, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8; [0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth alternate construction of the inflow control device, with the inflow control device being accessed; [0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth alternate construction of the inflow control device, with the inflow control device being fully installed; [0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh alternate construction of the inflow control device; Continue reading... Full patent description for Inflow control devices for sand control screens Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Inflow control devices for sand control screens patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Inflow control devices for sand control screens or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Tangential flow filtration apparatuses, systems, and processes for the separation of compounds Next Patent Application: Filter system Industry Class: Liquid purification or separation ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Inflow control devices for sand control screens patent info. 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